Introduction
As human beings, we must choose between passive observers or active guardians of justice. Martin Gansberg’s writing in “Thirty-Eight Who Saw Murder and Didn’t Call the Police” forces us to confront our complicity in silence. The article recounts the chilling story of the murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, where 38 witnesses allegedly witnessed the crime but did not intervene or call the police to help.
Gansberg’s argument is centred on the “bystander effect”. It exemplifies a phenomenon where the presence of many bystanders reduces the chance of any one individual taking responsibility or action during an emergency. The author intends to accentuate the understanding of psychological and sociological aspects of the bystander effect. The inaction of 38 witnesses is a stark reminder of the societal challenges concerning individual responsibility and moral duty in times of crisis.
Article Summary
Psychological and Sociological Factors in Witness Inaction
Martin Gansberg’s exploration of the psychological and sociological factors behind the witnesses’ inaction underlines the societal challenges of personal responsibility during crises. In the article, Gansberg discusses the possible reasons behind the witnesses’ failure to act. According to Becker (2021), the author cites the diffusion of responsibility and the fear of getting involved. Gansberg (1964) indicates, “The tragedy of the Kitty Genovese murder lies not only in the fact that 38 witnessed the attack, but that no one stepped forward to intercede during the assault.” The presentation of these factors sheds light on the societal dilemma of individuals grappling with deciding whether to intervene in a crisis and the potential consequences of their actions.
Additionally, Gansberg uses the harrowing case of Catherine Genovese to remind society of the moral obligation to take action and help others who are caught up in a difficult moment. The author does not merely recount the events but also challenges the readers to reflect on their sense of moral responsibility (Broussard et al., 2019). Gansberg (1964) asks, “What has happened to our moral sensibility? Did we become a nation of cowards?” He rhetorically provokes the reader to contemplate the potential consequences of collective inaction and question their role in times of crisis.
Understanding the Bystander Effect
Martin Gansberg’s article “Thirty-Eight Who Saw Murder and Didn’t Call the Police” further delves into the “bystander effect.” He does this by showcasing how the presence of multiple witnesses can restrict individual intervention in an emergency (Buckenmaier et al., 2021). Gansberg describes how the murder of Catherine Genovese unfolded on the streets of Queens, New York, with several witnesses observing the attack from their apartment windows. He writes, “For more than half an hour 38 respectable, law-abiding citizens in Queens watched a killer stalk and stab a woman in three separate attacks in Kew Gardens” (Gansberg, 1964). His emphasis on the sheer number of bystanders who witnessed the murder stresses how the diffusion of responsibility among them might have contributed to the lack of timely action and intervention.
Encouraging Societal Reflection on Values and Individual Courage in Crises
Finally, Gansberg seeks to incite a meaningful deliberation on societal values and the need for individual courage when confronted with an emergency. According to Bahnsen (2018), the author raises concern about letting the public discuss the importance of standing up against injustice. Gansberg (1964) indicates, “It is not a question of who murdered her. The appalling story is that 37 people saw the murder and didn’t call the police.” The statement invites attention not only to the perpetrator of the heinous acts but also to the collective responsibility of society to respond to emergencies actively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Martin Gansberg’s article effectively explores the “bystander effect.” He highlights how the presence of numerous witnesses inhibited intervention during the gruesome murder of Catherine Genovese. The article strongly highlights the societal challenges tied to personal responsibility and moral duty during times of crisis. Gansberg prompts the reader to contemplate his or her role in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of others.
References
Bahnsen, D. L. (2018). Crisis of responsibility. Post Hill Press.
Becker, G. S. (2021). Crime and punishment: An economic approach. Journal of Political Economy, 76(2), 169–217. Web.
Broussard, G., Rubenstein, L. S., Robinson, C., Maziak, W., Gilbert, S. Z., & DeCamp, M. (2019). Challenges to ethical obligations and humanitarian principles in conflict settings: a systematic review. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 4(1). Web.
Buckenmaier, J., Dimant, E., Posten, A.-C., & Schmidt, U. (2021). Efficient institutions and effective deterrence: On timing and uncertainty of formal sanctions. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 62(2), 177–201. Web.
Gansberg, M. (1964). New York Times (1857-Current file) (pp. 1851–2004). Web.